𝗗𝗔-𝗕𝗙𝗔𝗥 𝗔𝗸𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗱𝘀 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗳𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗺𝗮𝗽

New Washington, Aklan |-The DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region VI (DA-BFAR 6) through its Provincial Fisheries Office (PFO) Aklan, convened more than 50 Akeanon stakeholders for the Shellfish Summit: Roadmap Development for the Shellfish Industry in Aklan on March 5 to 6, 2025, at the Provincial Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Training, Development, and Product Center.

The summit aimed to create a five-year Shellfish Commodity Roadmap that addresses economic, environmental, and operational challenges to ensure the resilience and sustainability of the industry. Participants included oyster growers, traders, fisherfolk associations, municipal agriculturists, representatives from Aklan State University, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, and the Department of Trade and Industry.

Different PFO Aklan personnel, headed by Officer-in-Charge Richard E. Cordero served as resource persons providing an overview of the shellfish industry in Western Visayas, the shellfish survey findings, and shellfish trade regulations and transport permit issuance, highlighting Aklan’s role as a key supplier to Metro Manila and export markets like Taiwan.

Furthermore, researchers from Aklan State University shared studies on oyster microbial load and filtration rates, offering valuable data for sustainable aquaculture.

Ms. Zillah F. Alfaro and Ms. Arnicole B. Luces, Senior Business Counselor I from DTI Aklan, conducted a lecture on entrepreneurial mind setting and business model canvas. The lecture emphasized identifying business opportunities, and participants engaged in a workshop on creating a business model canvas. Additionally, participants identified key industry threats such as siltation, climate change, and red tide occurrences.

The draft roadmap will undergo further consultation to refine strategies for a resilient, sustainable shellfish industry that supports local livelihoods and economic growth while maintaining environmental integrity. The shellfish industry in Aklan, particularly oysters, is a significant contributor to the local economy. Oyster farming thrives due to the area’s clean brackish water, which enhances the quality of the oysters, making them large, sweet, and export-quality.###KCompao